Ironing machine



Dec. 2, 1941. F. A. CONTE-RMAN IRONING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledJan. 15, 1958 :Z-Trs-E 2 71c! H. 6' air/61727422 FIG-4 1941- F. A.CONTERMAN ,0

IRONING MACHINE Filed Jan. 1 13, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 SyvuC WIMPatented Dec. 2, 1941 IRONING MACHINE Fred A. Conterman, Jamestown, N.Y., assignor to Blackstone Manufacturing Company, Inc., Jamestown, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application January 13, 1938, Serial No.184,820

7 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in ironing machines and moreparticularly to a cabinet structure therefor.

In one form the invention discloses a table mounted ironing machinehaving an enclosure or cover. The cover, in one position, is adapted toenclose all that portion of the machine mounted on the table and in theother position may be conveniently utilized as a shelf and/or receptaclefor the storage of freshly ironed articles or articles about to beironed, and this. therefore, constitutes one of the objects of theinvention.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a cover for anironing machine which completely encloses the ironing roll and shoe whenin closed position.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a cover for anironing machine which is movable into open position adjacent one end ofthe machine.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a cover for anironing machine which, when in open position, serves as a continuationor addition to the table top of the machine.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of an ironingmachine cover which, when moved into open position, lies insubstantially the same horizontal plane as the table top of the machine.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a cover for thetable top of an ironing machine which is movable through more than oneplane into open position to expose the machine for use.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of a coverfor thetable top of an ironing machine that is movable to expose the machinefor use and also assume a position at one side of an operator of amachine for convenient use as a shelf or receptacle.

Other and further objects of the invention will be more fully understoodfrom a consideration of the following specification, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is aperspective view of an ironing machine showing a cover, embodying oneform of the invention, in closed position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 1, withthe cover in partly opened position;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the structure shown in Figure 1 with thecover in fully opened position;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of the invention, parts being brokenaway to disclose the support and operating mechanism of the cover;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary end view of the hinge construction ofthe cover, being taken substantially as indicated at 5-5 of Figure 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged end view of an ironing machine showing the coverin fully opened position, parts being broken away to disclose the coversupport and hinge structure;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken substantially on theline l-l of Figure 4 and shows certain details of the cover hingeconstruction;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view of the cover counter balance, the coverbeing in the position shown in Figure 2;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, showing the counter balance actingto support the weight of the cover as it is moved from the position ofFigure 2 to that of Figure 3; and

Fig. 10 shows the counter balance in position to substantially sustainthe weight of the cover, when the cover is in fully opened position.

Reference is now had to the drawings which disclose one modification ofthe invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral ID. Theironing structure is mounted on a table II which includes a pair ofsubstantially identically spaced apart members l2 and I3. These membersare each formed with side walls It and short front and rear walls I5.Members 12 and I3 are connected by a table top l6, adapted to support arotary ironer which includes a roll I! and supporting and drivingmechanism [8. Inasmuch as the ironer may be any one of several types andthe mechanism thereof forms no part of the present invention, furtherdescription is deemed unnecessary.

A cover i 9 is adapted to be mounted on the table top [6 and encloseroll H and driving mechanism l8. In the present disclosure, the cover isshown to be rectangular in shape and of substantially the same lateraldimensions as the top It. The cover l9 includes a flat table-like top 2|which, when in closed position (see Figure 1) is adaptable for use in akitchen or elsewhere as a work surface. Secured to end 22 of the coverare brackets 23 and 24. These brackets, substantially identical, areeach formed with a strap-like portion 26 which extends along the endwall 22 of the cover and is secured thereto in any suitable manner as bybolts or rivets. The strap portion of each bracket also serves tostrengthen and rigidity the wall 22. Each bracket includes a lug 21through which a transverse opening 28 is made. A rod 29 is provided atone end with a collar 3| which has an apertured lug 32 adapted to abutthe lug 21 of bracket 23. A suitable pin 33 provides for pivotalmovement between rod 29 and the cover. The other end of the rod 29 isfitted with a collar 34 having an apertured lug 36 adapted to bepivotally engaged with the lug 21 of bracket 24 through the use of afurther pin 33. The end of the collar 34 is formed with an angularlydirected portion 31, having an opening therethrough adapted to receiveone end of a shaft 38 located in and projecting beyond one end of thetable H.

Examination of Figure 4 indicates that directly beneath the top I6, thetable is fitted with a pair of corner braces 39. Flanges 4| of thesebraces are riveted or otherwise joined to the members l2 and I3. Thebody portion 42 of each of the braces constitutes a bearing for theshaft 38. It will be noted that the rod 38 lies directly beneath thetable top I6 and adjacent the rear edge thereof. One of the braces 39supports one end of the shaft, whereas the other brace supports theshaft 38 adjacent its other end. The shaft extends through the end ofthe table and terminates in the portion 31 of collar 34.

The collar 3| is formed with a depending portion 43 through which atransverse opening is made to mount a spring pin 44. One end of the pinprojects laterally beyond the portion 43 and is fitted with a knob 45.The other end of the pin projects beyond the opposite face of theportion 43 and is adapted to fit an opening in a plate 46 secured to oneend of the table. It will be noted that rod 29 i fixed againstinadvertent movement with respect to the table by means of itsconnection with rod 38 at one end and the pin connection 44 with plate46 at the other. Thus the cover may be moved from the position shown inFigure 1 to that of Figure 2 and pivots about pins 33. With the cover inraised position, it is next necessary to withdraw pin 44 from engagementwith plate 46 by manipulating knob 45. The rod 29 and cover l9 may nowbe swung parallel with the end of the machine and rod 38, through collar34, serves as the pivot. It is quite evident the cover l9 will swingbeyond the position shown in Figure 3 unless some support is providedtherefore and in the present disclosure this support may take the formof a rubber covered projection 41. on the plate 46 and a stopplate 48secured to the rear corner of member l3. Plate 48 includes a flange 49which is engaged by pin 44 when the cover is in fully opened position.

The cover l9, being substantially the dimensions of the table top |6, isof considerable size and weight and, therefore, a counterbalancingmechanism is provided which functions when the cover is moved from theposition of Figure 2 to that of Figure 3. This mechanism, in one form,comprises an arm 50 having a collar mounted on shaft 38. The collar iskeyed or otherwise suitably secured to the shaft and rotates therewith.The free end of arm 58 is engaged by one end of a spring The other endof the spring 5| is engaged with a bracket 52 located adjacent the frontof the table beneath the top IS. The tension of the spring is such itwill, in conjunction with arm 58, substantially sustain the weight ofthe cover l9 as it is moved from vertical to horizontal position. Figure8 of the drawings shows the position of the counterbalance when thecover I9 is in the position shown in Figure 2. When the cover is swungforwardly of the ironing device, arm 58 rotates with shaft 38,increasing the tension of spring 5| and, as the cover moves downwardlyinto the horizontal position shown in Figure 3, the tension of spring 5|is greatly increased. When the cover has come to rest on the projection41, and pin 44 abuts flange 49, the arm and spring 58 and 5| will assumethe position shown in Figure 10.

It may be found desirable to provide means for retaining the cover inclosed position or for assisting movement of the cover from closed tothe upright position of Figure 2. This may be done by providing one ormore springs 53 adjacent the pivotal end of the cover. One end of thespring is secured to a pin 54 located on either or both brackets 23 and24 and the other end oi the spring is secured to a pin 56 located onsleeves 3| and 34. As indicated in Figures 5 and 7 of the drawings, theline of the spring 53 is to one side of the pivotal center about whichthe cover moves and consequently the spring or springs 53 function bothto urge the cover into contact with the table top |6 or, when the coverhas been partly raised, to urge it into the upright position of Figure2.

When it is desired to expose the ironing mechanism for use, the operatorgrasps a handle or rod 51 which is secured between end brackets 58,suitably joined to the free end of the cover IS. The cover is moved fromhorizontal to upright position, being aided through a portion of thistravel by springs 53. Knob 45 is moved to withdraw pin 44 from the plate46 and the cover I! may then be swung forwardly of the device, pivotingabout sleeve 34 and shaft 38. During movement of the cover from verticalto horizontal position of Figure 3, the counterbalancing device abovedescribed comes into action and prevents hanging or slamming of thecover. It will be noted that the cover |9 now occupies a position suchthat one side wall thereof has become a work surface flush with thetable top I6 and also that the cover extends sufficiently forwardly ofthe end of the table so that the inner surface of the lower side of thecover may constitute a shelf in which to store freshly ironed articlesor articles about to be ironed. It is contemplated that the cover l9will be used practically to the exclusion of all other surfaces as asurface on which to place articles and it may on occasion be required tosustain a considerable weight. It is, therefore, found convenient toprovide a leg 59 which is pivotally secured to the inner free edge ofthe cover by a bolt 6| that projects through one of the handle brackets58. The leg is formed with an offset 62, the end of which is fitted witha rubber bumper 63. When the leg is swung from within the cover, intothe position shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, the bumper 63 of theoffset portion 62 rests against the lower side of the cover.

Although applicant has shown and described only one modification of asupporting hinge construction for an enclosure or cover for ironingmachines, which functions to swing the cover into a position to be usedas a work surface substantially flush with the top of the ironingmachine, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that othermodifications of the structure herein disclosed may be made and arecontemplated in so far as they are within the spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the hereunto annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention wh'at I claim as new and for which Idesire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. In an ironing machine having a table and an ironing mechanism mountedthereon, a cover adapted to enclose said mechanism, hinge means on saidcover, a rod on said table, said hinge means being joined to andadaptedto rotate said rod during opening or closing said cover, andcounterbalance means connected with said rod and adapted tosubstantially sustain the weight of said cover in certain positions.

2. In an ironing machine having a table and an ironing mechanism mountedthereon, a cover adapted to enclose said mechanism, h'ingemeans on saidcover, said hinge means including a rod, means on said table mountingone end of said rod for pivotal movement, counterbalance means connectedwith the table means, the table means being rotatable by said rod toactuate said counterbalance means whereby to substantially sustain theweight of said cover during movement from one position to another.

3. In an ironing machine having a table and an ironing mechanism mountedthereon, a cover adapted to enclose said mechanism, hinges connectingsaid cover with a rod, means on said table mounting one end of said rodfor pivotal movement transversely of said table, and further meansconnected with said hinges, said-further means urging said cover intoclosed or opened position.

4. In an ironing machine having a table and an ironing mechanism mountedthereon, a cover adapted to enclose said mechanism, a rotatable rodcarried by and projecting beyond one edge'of said table, a further rodJoined to one end of said rod, hinges connecting said cover withsaidiurther rod, means connected with said hinges serving to urge saidcover into closed or opened position, and further means adapted tosubstantially sustain the weight 01' said cover during further movementthereof. 1

5. In an ironing machine h'aving a table and an ironing mechanismmounted thereon, acover adapted to enclose said. mechanism, a rodadjacent one end of said cover, hinges connecting said rod with saidcover, a further rod mounted in said table and projecting beyond one endthereof, one end of said further rod being connected with and supportingone end of the first mentioned rod, an arm secured to said further rodand rotatable therewith, a spring connecting the free end of said armwith said table, said cover being movable to a vertical position aboutsaid hinges and again to a horizontal position about said further rod,said spring being extended during movement to the horizontal positionand serving to substantially counterbalance the weight of said cover.

6. In an ironing machine having a table and an ironing mechanism mountedthereon, a cover adapted to enclose said mechanism, a rod adjacent oneend of said cover, hinges connecting said rod and said cover, meanscarried by and projecting beyond said table, said rod being supported atone end by said means, further means securing the other end of said rodto said table, said cover being movable with respect to said rod intoopen position, 'said further means being releasable to facilitatepivoting said cover and said rod about said table means whereby toposition said cover at a height equal to or less than the plane of saidtable. v

7. In an ironing machine having a table and an ironing mechanism mountedthereon, an enclosing cover for said mechanism, pivot means on saidtable, hinge means on said cover joined to the pivot means, said hingemeans and said pivot nieans successively prescribing paths of movementof said cover from closed position toan open side position for use as ashelf adjacent one end of said table, an arm carried by said pivot meansand rotatable therewith, a spring connected at its ends respectivelywith said table and said arm for variably sustaining the weight of saidcover during movement in the path prescribed by said pivot means.

FRED A. CON'I'ERMAN.

